About the Course
Children in foster care often carry hidden narratives shaped by trauma, instability, and disrupted attachments, narratives that can quietly erode their sense of self-worth and safety. This interactive virtual workshop introduces positive self-talk as a practical tool for building resilience by strengthening a child's ability to manage emotions, adapt to change, and recover from hardship. Participants examine how internal dialogue shapes a child's identity, sense of safety, and self-esteem, then learn trauma-informed strategies such as cognitive reframing, identity-building praise, and self-affirmations that shift a child's inner voice from self-critical to self-supportive. Designed for foster parents, advocates, educators, and child welfare professionals, the session pairs real-world scenarios with breakout discussions so participants leave with language they can use right away. By the end, attendees will recognize trauma-rooted self-talk patterns, respond with identity-affirming language, and help children build a more hopeful, resilient internal narrative.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define resilience and explain its role in supporting the mental and emotional well-being of children in foster care.
- Describe the relationship between self-talk and resilience, including the impact of internal dialogue on a child's development and emotional strength.
- Demonstrate three trauma-informed strategies that support healthier internal narratives in children and youth: cognitive reframing, growth-oriented praise, and self-affirmations.